BACKLASH AGAINST REMOTE LEARNING
Private schools experiencing increased enrollments, heightened interest
In a bad economy, Oakland County private schools are experiencing increased enrollment or heightened interest from parents willing to pay tuition to have their children attending inperson classes five days per week.
Most area public districts began the 202021 academic year with all grades learning remotely. Many phased in face-to-face learning in late October to early November, only to return to all remote learning after just a few weeks, as the number of coronavirus cases rose in the region and across the state.
Most area public schools remained in all remote learning until mid-January.
Even as public school students return to inperson learning, most are in a classroom only a few days per week or for half days. School officials say the hybrid learning model allows classrooms to maintain social distancing.
“We’ve been in person every day,” said Jeanette Izzi, director of enrollment for Holy Family Regional School.
Holy Family, which has a campus in Rochester for young fives to third grade, and another in Rochester Hills for grades four through eight, is at capacity.
Izzi said the Catholic school receives numerous calls every day from parents who are “desperate” to have their children physically in school every day.
Parents who didn’t think they could afford Catholic school enrolled their children and have been pleased, Izzi said.
“It’s more than just that their children are at school every day. The parents are happy that the children are learning so much,” she said.
Another benefit, she said, is the “faith formation” the children are receiving.
“This has really allowed Catholic schools to shine,” she said.
She’s certain the new enrollees will remain when public schools return to regular in-person instruction.
The school may have some openings for next school year, she said.
Holy Family has followed many of the same coronavirus precautions as public schools, such as wearing masks and limiting passing